Early in that match, if you recall, Mo was taking it to Benitez on the ropes behind his right jab, and enjoyed some fleeting success the commentators made note of, but then inexplicably got away from it, with fatal consequences. Countering that jab could have been a wearying effort for Wilfred. Hope was a smarter and more versatile boxer than to discard a tactic which was affording him some opportunity to at least neutralize Benitez somewhat, and I've always been baffled as to why he didn't continue attacking behind that jab. This was hardly the first time I'd been frustrated watching a Hope bout. After he decked Mattioli in the opening round of his title crowning effort, causing Rocky to fall on his right arm and shatter it, I was enthralled with millions of other satellite viewers watching Mattioli's courageous one handed attack through excruciating agony, and rooted for him somehow to prevail through the adversity, but it wasn't to be. In Hope-Mattioli II, a faded Rocky undertook an early body attack, and it briefly looked as if he might regain the title, but again, as Hope would later abandon his right jab against Benitez, so too would Mattioli forsake his body punching, and again succumb to Mo's punch variety.
Thanks Duodenum...I remember faintly the Hope-Matteoli fight...I was somewhat intrigued with Rocky after he ko'ed Ekhard Dagge back in the mid 70's.
I know that there are a few people who think Randy beat Ray in their '78 fight, but maybe it was just close due to SRL telegraphing his punches.
I was a huge Randy Shields fan growing up. I thought he beat Cuevas and that he would've beat Hearns but for the cuts, though I haven't seen either fight since they happened and my memory may not be accurate. He was also the vehicle for the Goosen entrance into boxing.
This content is protected Back row, third from right, a young Randy Shields seen here with the 1973 Los Angeles National Golden Gloves team, of which I (far left back row)was the head coach. Front row in white T is Art Frias who won the WBA Lightweight title.
